By Jason Hickman
MaxPreps.com
CEDAR HILL, Texas --- Prior to the 2006 season, Cedar Hill High School had never won a state playoff football game.
Against all odds, the Longhorns will enter the 2007 season as Texas' defending Class 5A Division II state champions.
Cedar Hill, located just outside of Dallas, beat opponents by an average score of 42-17 en route to a 16-0 record, including a 51-17 thumping of Houston Cypress Falls in the state title game.
Thursday, the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by The Army National Guard recognized the first-time state champions with a ceremony and trophy presentation, capping a historic season for Cedar Hill and head coach Joey McGuire.
While the Longhorns' run to the 5A Division II title was certainly a team effort, quarterback William Cole often stole the headlines as he produced one incredible performance after another during the 2006 campaign.
Cole, The Dallas Morning News' Player of the Year, ran for 3,013 yards and 41 touchdowns, while passing for 1,623 yards and 21 touchdowns.
"Will Cole is the best football player in the state of Texas, bar none," McGuire told The Dallas Morning News after Cedar Hill's state championship victory.
Defensive back Anthony Blue (Nebraska), wide receiver Romie Blaylock (Baylor), linebacker Chris Francis (Baylor), offensive lineman John Jones (Baylor), and defensive lineman Cameron Thompson (Rice) are already committed to Division I-A schools to play next football next season, and Cole will make a decision about his future in the coming weeks.